#WriterConfessions

#WriterConfessions

I got the idea for this post about five minutes ago and I thought it would be fun to do. If your also a writer you are welcome to write up a blog post as well on this topic. I'll be doing one #writerconfession each day the rest of the week. Let's get the ball rolling and her we go........

1. #WriterConfession The male lead's name in my Fairytale/Fantasy is Thorian. Yes, that is a variant or Thorin, the dwarf from The Hobbit! Thorin is my favorite character from the Hobbit, he is so complex and yet I love him......and Richard Armitage plays him in part three of the film trilogy! So, that really brings him up another few notches!

Spoken For by Robin Jones Gunn

Spoken For by Robin Jones Gunn

{About the Book}

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your LifeA great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?

In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

Includes questions for group discussion and personal reflection.

{My Review}

This is a great book for teen girls and young adult women. It's book that tells us an important message that to know who you truly are, you must know whose you are. This book is a great gift for your young daughters, or even for a mother and daughter to read and discuss together.

Song of the Week

Song of the Week!!!

It is that time again where I pick yet another song of the week. This week the Song of the Week is: Smothering Walls by The Letter Black.

ENJOY!!!!

2014 Inspy Award Winners!!!

It is finally that time! The time to officially announce the winners of the 2014 Inspys! Congrats to all the winners and those who were nominated. I'm sure it was a tough choice, it was definitely tough for myself at first in my category. Thank you to the advisory board for putting all of this together and giving us bloggers the chance to be judges. I enjoyed being a judge for my category. So let's get on with it.....

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense: Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter is the quintessential definition of Christian Romantic Fiction. The writing style is in a word lovely, with perfect pacing and wonderful descriptions. Barefoot Summer played like a movie in our heads. Denise created characters with flaws and very real emotions that kept us invested in their story and engaged with each new scene. Not just with the main characters, but the other plot lines as well. While the other four novels were great reads this one climbed it's way to the top. Barefoot Summer truly is the perfect Summer read, and for many more Summers to come. 

Debut: Katherine Reay’s contemporary epistolary, Dear Mr. Knightley is one of the most brilliant character studies to come about in literature in years. Sometimes you are given a gift that everyone assures you will be delightful but you aren’t entirely sure the contents will be to your liking. This is a book where the hype holds up. All the references to classical literature – from Great Expectations to Austen to Narnia, could have made the novel seem detached, but Reay uses them with such talent and creativity, you understand the characters on a deeper level because of them and because Dear Mr. Kightley’s heroine was less “figment” and much more, real. Above all, those qualities are this debut’s crowning glory – it’s more than just an expert piece of fiction. Not only is Dear Mr. Knightley the perfect debut, it’s a must read for any lover of classics, particularly Jane Austen.

General Fiction: The field of nominees for the General Fiction category had some of the best books we have read this year, making this year’s selection process difficult indeed. After a lot of in depth discussion, we are awarding the Inspy to Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes. A moving account of a woman’s struggle with self in the face of spousal abuse, this novel will touch your heart and soul. Powerfully personal, beautifully written, with highly relatable characters, Gina Holmes’ novel presents a message of love and hope that Jesus always offered to everyone He met.

Historical Romance: A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund is an exceptional piece of Christian fiction based upon real events. The rich historical and cultural setting are characters in their own right, making the story come to life. The characters portray authentic growth as the story progresses, as well as an undeniable romantic tension present throughout, encouraging the reader to keep turning the pages. This beautiful story weaves in themes of trust, redemption, and the importance of having a relationship grounded in God, while emphasizing the importance of hope, forgiveness, and sacrificial love. Jody Hedlund is a skilled writer and her work displays the best of historical romance, both entertaining and speaking to the heart.

Literature for Young Adult: Captives was a compelling and thought-provoking novel. Jill Williamson's writing style, vivid imagery and intriguing plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Captives also has insightful commentary on society. There was a large variety of characters with the light of the believers clearly contrasting the darkness and depravity of the society around them. Captives beautifully illustrates the bigger picture and how important it is to stand up for your beliefs. Thought-provoking and page-turning, Captives was not only far more than your typical YA dystopian story, but definitely one of the top YA novels of 2013. 

Mystery/Thriller: The King is suspense at its best and challenges readers to really think – what is our definition of a hero? The author weaves a thread of faith throughout the novel that infused the story with hope, reminding us Who ultimately holds control and provides meaning when the journey becomes rough; captivating plots, intriguing characters, and twists at every turn immerse the reader deep into the tale. These characters: Patrick, Lien-hua, and Tessa held our heart and made us cheer for them. The writing was superb; this is definitely an author who knows how to write suspense while also endearing his readers to his characters. The story does not let you go. The King is a thought provoking read as much as it was a page turner...one to definitely be read with the light on!

Liebester Awards

Liebester Awards

So my lovely friend, Amanda, at Ramblings of a Wayward Author nominated me for the Liebester Awards this year! This is my first ever nomination so thank you Amanda!

Thank and link back to the person who nominated you.
List 11 facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate 9 bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers (you can't nominate the blogger who nominated you).
Ask them 11 questions. 
Let them know about the nomination.

11 Things About Me

1. I'm an aspiring author.
2. I write Historical Romance and Historical Fantasy.
3. Total introvert!!!
4. My favorite actors are: Richard Armitage, Cary Grant, Matthew McFadyen, Daniel Lissing & Benedict Cumberbatch. Men with accents are my weakness! lol
5. I have Irish, English, Scottish, German, Russian, Ukranian & Native American (Cherokee & Choctaw) heritage.
6. I'd rather read a paperback than an e-book.
7. Other than books my other passions are makeup & fashion.
8. I've been to Maui multiple times.
9. I have a thing for European men...especially Richard Armitage! *sigh*
10. My dream jobs are author & nanny.
11. I am deathly afraid of clowns.

Questions I Was Asked

1:  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Ireland.
2: Favorite music?

I've been loving The Letter Black lately.
3: Favorite movie?

So many...Hobbit, LOTR, Narnia, Pride & Prejudice (2005), Arsenic & Old Lace, The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Tangled, The Phantom of the Opera, The Magic of Ordinary Days.
4: Cats or dogs?

Dogs!!!
5: Longest time spent on a plane.

However long it takes to get to Maui!
6: Favorite cheese?

Parmesan.
7: Apple or Android?

Android.
8: Facebook or Instgram?

Facebook.
9: How soon did you run out of questions to ask?

At #1....that was hard.
10: How many pets do you have?

1 puppy.
11: Which of these questions was hardest to answer?

Favorite Movie!

Questions I Ask

1. Favorite Band/or Artist?
2. Day or Night?
3. Favorite Summer Vacation?
4. Favorite Book OTP?
5. Favorite book of all time?
6. Cake or Pie?
7. Favorite TV Program? (New or Old)
8. If you could time travel to any time period what would it be?
9. Summer or Fall, & why?
10. Favorite candy?
11. Paperback or Ebook?

Alright, now it's time for me to tag some blogs. 

Rissi at Dreaming Under the Same Moon

Kate at Too Read or Not to Read

Kara at Flowers of Quiet Happiness

Kara at A Booklover's Heart

Well, that isn't nine, but it'll do.

Song of the Week!!!

Song of the Week!!!

It is that time again where I pick yet another song of the week. This week the Song of the Week is 'I Am' by Crowder! I have been listening to Crowder's new album, Neon Steeple non-stop and the entire album is amazing!!

Song of the Week

Song of the Week

Tomorrow is Monday and I'm starting something new. Every Sunday night I will be posting a Song of the Week. This week's Song of the Week is: "Build Your Kingdom Here" by Rend Collective Experiment. 

(My favorite band EVER!!!!)

ENJOY!!!!!

Books I own....but haven't read yet!

Books I own....but haven't read yet!

I originally saw this topic at my friend Kara's blog, Flowers of Quiet Happiness. I thought it was a cool idea for a post, so this is my own list.Yes, believe it or not I do have some novels on my bookshelves that I have yet to read. I know, it's absolutely horrendous! 

Colleen Coble is hit and miss for me, but when I saw this cover and read the blurb I knew I wanted to read it. Why I haven't yet...I have no clue!

Again Colleen is hit & miss, but this cover is gorgeous! And I have heard many great things about this series!

I haven't read any of this series as you can tell by now, but these two need t be read soon.

This beauty I received from a friend who was going through her books. I love this cover and the author, unfortunately I just haven't had the time to read it yet.

I got this one from a blog giveaway and I really love what this whole story is about! A young Caucasian woman falls in love with a Native American. Gotta read it!

This one has been sitting on my bookshelves for almost a year and I still have not picked it up! Modern-day Western, romance, cowboys....must read it soon!

There are few who will read this and want to smack me upside the head through the computer screen for this one! Karen is one of my favorite authors, but I haven't read this one yet.

Won A Bride For All Seasons through a Goodreads giveaway and I haven't opened up to the first page.

REVIEW: Truth be Told by Carol Cox

Truth be Told by Carol Cox

{About the Book}

~Wild West Romance and Mystery from Carol Cox~ 

When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment 

Company's business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements. 

Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company. 

The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good. 

{My Review}

4 Stars!!

A wonderful read filled with suspense, mystery, and of course romance. The plot had so many great descriptions of the Wild West, which I very much enjoyed. It made me feel like I was right there in the novel. Amelia has an amazing heart and calling to find and show the truth even when it is something she or others may not like. Something Amelia learns and is one of the messages is to trust God. Amelia had issues but what Christian doesn't. I loved that element of the book. I think flaws are so important in characters in Christian fiction. Overall, it was a great historical fiction read.

Fun Friday

Fun Friday

Recently Bought:

I am so excited for this one! & it will be my first Dekker novel!

Another one I can't wait to dive into. A historical Beauty & the Beast retelling with a faith twist!

OH MAN!! I can not express how stoked I am to be able to finish this story & finally find out what happens to Thalli and Berk!!

I have been eyeing Saving Yesterday since Jessica first announced about this book. Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Time Travel. Uhh....yes please!!

What books have you purchased lately?

REVIEW: Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

{About the Book}

5 Stars!!

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

{My Review}

The backdrop of Out of the Ruins San Francisco, CA in 1905. Before, during, and after the the Great Earthquake of San Francisco. You will fall in love with the turn-of-the-century setting and characters. Out of the Ruins is a fast-paced, action-packed, emotional and romantic read. The perfect addition to a Summer afternoon by the pool. I recommend it to all fans of Historical Romance.

REVIEW: A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

{About the Book}

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.
This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.

{My Review}

4.5 Stars!!

I loved how the author used her own family history as the background for A Place in His Heart. As someone who loves to research her own family history I think that was so smart and made me more interested in the novel. A Place in His Heart also conveys a time of religious persecution. Barnabas believes her is marrying for the right reasons, his boys do need a mother. Mary believes she has fallen in love with Barnabas and thinks she has finally found a love worth waiting for.

A Place in His Heart was a beautiful historical romance. I recommend is very much.

Disclaimer:::I received this book for free from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

REVELL BLOG TOUR: A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert

A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert

{About the Book}

Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family–and discover a life worth living.
Poignant and emotionally gripping, A Woman of Fortune reveals the many ways we deceive ourselves and how resilience of the heart is essential to authentic living. Drawing on her experiences as a legal investigator, author Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters. Readers will love Claire’s unbending determination as she strives to keep her family from falling apart and learns to embrace the kind of fortune that lasts.

{My Review}

5 Stars!

The first thing that attracted me to this novel was the cover. It's gorgeous!!! A woman in a beautiful red dress looking over her ranch. And the novel is set in Texas......I love Texas, so I knew I needed to read this novel. And A Woman of Fortune was everything I thought it would be. After so many forks in the road Claire is reminded what matters most God and family.

My Favorite Classic Films

My Favorite Classic Films

Eva at Ramblings of a Janeite, posted a blog post of her favorite Black & White films and I thought it would be fun to do the same. Although some of these movies aren't in B&W! Below I have listed some of my favorite classic movies and I highly suggest you watch them all! :)

Laura (1944) is the quintessential Film Noir "Whodunit movie. Not to mention it stars Dana Andrews!

How To Stuff A Wild Bikini (1965)

I love ALL of Annette and Frankie's Beach movies, but How To Stuff A Wild Bikini is my favorite of them all. It's just a fun teen beach musical. You can't beat it!

Notorious (1946)

I am the ultimate Cary Grant fan. I love all of his movies, but some just top the list and Notorious is one of them.

North By Northwest (1959)

This is one of Cary Grant's later movies, but I think it may be one of his best in my opinion.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Have I mentioned I'm a big Cary Grant fan. Out of all Cary's movies, Arsenic and Old Lace is my favorite. A mixture of screwball comedy and horror make for the perfect good old time.

Singin In The Rain (1952)

This is probably one of my favorite musicals of ALL time. You can't go wrong with a Debbie Reynolds movie!

The Sound of Music (1965)

My favorite movie EVER!!! I grew up watching this movie, a lot!! I can never get enough of it!!

The Bat (1959)

I love this movie. Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead are the perfect pair. This movie will make you jump out of your seat!

House On Haunted Hill (1959)

House On Haunted Hill is one of the best classic horror films you will find. A horror flick, all taking place in an old creepy mansion.....YES PLEASE!!! It's perfect for that dark and stormy night!

REVIEW: Four Weddings and a Kiss Novella Collection by Various Authors

 Four Weddings and a Kiss Novella Collection by Various Authors

{About the Book}

In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they've seen God bring together.

“Spitfire Sweetheart” by Mary Connealy

Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

“Love Letter to the Editor” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He’s resolved to change Molly's mind about him—as an editor and as a man.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Thad Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Thad change Katie’s mind?

“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive—or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case—until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace.

{My Review}

5 Stars!!

I absolutely adore this Western Romance Novella Collection. This novella collection features four Christian Romance authors, one of which, Debra Clopton, I am not familiar with so I didn't know what to expect from her novella. I am completely satisfied with all four novellas and will be looking forward to reading each authors other works. Four Weddings and a Kiss is filled with romance, cowboys, and horses. All are fine tales and I quite enjoyed them.